Task Force 1 continues search and rescue operations in North Carolina

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Task Force 1 continued its search and rescue work in the mountains of North Carolina on Monday, focusing on an area in the Pisgah National Forest.

Members of the Columbia-based urban search and rescue team were working Monday morning in McDowell County, North Carolina, the Boone County Fire Protection District says in a Facebook post.

The task force has two teams on the ground, one consisting of 45 members and another with 16 members helping with search and rescue after Hurricane Helene dumped loads of rain on the Southeast. They are working out of Marion, North Carolina.

"Yesterday, the teams conducted thorough wide area searches and damage assessments throughout the mountainous terrain," the post says. "Crews encountered significant challenges, including washed-out roads, downed power lines, and extensive destruction of homes and campers. Large debris piles were also observed along the creek and river beds. Fortunately, no individuals were located in the affected area."

More than 80 deaths have been attributed to the Category 4 hurricane.